This will cover the details of a premises identification number (PIN), including why and how to get one.

What is the definition of premises?

This is any physical location where livestock are raised, fed, housed, bought/sold, treated or exhibited (e.g., farms/ranches, leased pastures, feedlots, markets, exhibitions/fairs, rodeo arenas, veterinary clinics, embryo facilities, packing plants, feed mills).

What is a PIN?

• A PIN is a unique code consisting of both letters and numbers that is permanently tied to a physical premises.
• They are used by federal and state animal health authorities for tracing in animal health/food safety emergencies.
• They are required for movement permits in/out/within a foreign animal disease (FAD) control area.

Why should I get a PIN?

• Involvement in the beef industry inherently puts your business at risk of impact from a FAD outbreak. Even if you are not directly impacted by the disease, there is potential for market disruptions associated with transporting your product to subsequent levels of the production chain.
• When producers have a PIN, it helps the individual ranch and the beef industry maintain business continuity.
• It speeds location and notification of livestock during disasters (wildfire, blizzard, floods) or contagious disease events.
• It’s required to move cattle, semen or embryos within a FAD outbreak for traceability.
• In the event of a FAD outbreak, there may be stop movement orders, after which there will most likely be regulations around animal transport that may require a documented secure beef supply plan and PIN.

How do I get a PIN?

• Fill out this application form and submit to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF).
• You will need basic contact information, information pertaining to the location of the animals (physical 911) address or GPS coordinates), description of the primary business function and identification of the species of animals that are housed at the site.

When should I get a PIN?

The best time to apply for a PIN is well before an emergency has taken place. In the event of an outbreak, the workload will be dramatically increased on all agencies providing support, thus creating longer waiting times and generally higher levels of frustration for the producer.

What if I already have a PIN?

If you obtained a PIN years ago, the PIN itself typically doesn’t expire, but you should keep contact info and species current with the state veterinarian to speed emergency response. Contact LDAF to retrieve your PIN.

Authors:

Christine B. Navarre, D.V.M., M.S. — School of Animal Sciences, LSU AgCenter
Tyler Barlow, Tripp Morgan, William Strickland, Lanie Richard and Joshua Salley — Agriculture and Natural Resources Assistant Agents